Markey, Blumenthal Introduce Legislation To Protect Drivers' Privacy, Security

Legislation directing the FTC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a federal standard for vehicles that have “fully adopted wireless technologies,” to “secure our cars and protect drivers’ privacy,” was introduced Wednesday by Sens. Edward Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the Internet of Things (see 1502110035). Introduction of the legislation came days after Markey released a report (see 1502090026) outlining privacy and security issues for vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The legislation also would require new cars to be evaluated and rated based on how well the drivers’ privacy and security were protected. The information would be displayed in a manner similar to how fuel economy is currently displayed. “We need the electronic equivalent of seat belts and airbags to keep drivers and their information safe in the 21st century,” Markey said. “There are currently no rules of the road for how to protect driver and passenger data, and most customers don’t even know that their information is being collected and sent to third parties.” Connected cars "represent tremendous social and economic promise, but in the rush to roll out the next big thing automakers have left the doors unlocked to would-be cybercriminals,” Blumenthal said. The FTC and NHTSA didn't comment.